^{A busy February 1 morning for PSA-RSSO V as the agency begins the celebration for the 34th Civil Registration Month with a Thanksgiving Mass (top), a motorcade (bottom left), and the opening of the month-long exhibit at the PSA V building lobby (bottom right).}
 

02 February 2024 – LEGAZPI CITY. As soon as February rolled in, the Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office V (PSA- RSSO V), led by the Civil Registration and Administrative Support Division, threw a celebration to herald the 34th  Civil Registration Month. From a solemn Thanksgiving Mass to a festive Motorcade, to an exciting launch of Vital Statistics Exhibit, the morning of February 1 was testament to the commitment of the office to promote awareness on the importance of civil registry documents and of registering vital events.

The Thanksgiving Mass, held promptly at 8:00 AM, was attended by staff of RSSO V and the Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) of Albay; after which, participants and guests from 24 National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs) and Local Civil Registry Offices (LCROs) joined in the Grand Motorcade that looped through downtown Legazpi City. The opening of the Vital Statistics Exhibit at the lobby of the PSA V building, showcasing various statistical figures of vital events in the Bicol Region from 2022 – 2023, commenced soon after the convoy returned.

In the afternoon, 24 RSSO V personnel were kept on their toes as they engaged in a battle of wits during the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Quiz Bee for RSSO V Personnel. The competition, while seriously challenging the staff’s knowledge and understanding of Civil Registration, was nevertheless filled with a convivial atmosphere and lighthearted banter.

In the coming weeks, the office will be holding more events to commemorate the annual observance. There will be a CRVS Quiz Bee for LCRO Personnel on February 6, a Poster Making Contest for Grade 12 and high school students on February 7, and an Oratorical Contest for high schoolers on February 12.  A Symposium on Civil Registration for Stakeholders will be held on February 15, while a seminar-workshop will be conducted for Registration Officers on February 16.

The agency will also ramp up information dissemination through engagement in  Mobile  Registration and Mass  Weddings, conduct of lectures in schools, and participation in CR Month activities organized by the PSOs and the LCROs. A booth will also be opened in the mall for the entire month to bring PSA’s products and services closer to the public.

Meanwhile,  free  Certificates of  Live Birth (COLBs) will be issued to selected beneficiaries from an economically disadvantaged barangay on February 27 as part of RSSO V’s pledge to give back to the people. The activity will be in collaboration with members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (RIACCRVS).

February 2024 promises to be a busy month for PSA-RSSO V. Still, the Civil Registration Month celebration is and always will be welcomed with great enthusiasm and spirit.